English, PhD
Join our doctoral program to work closely with internationally recognized creative writers, literary scholars, and scholars of rhetoric, writing, and linguistics. Our program offers robust funding, teacher training, and research support across all areas of scholarly and creative focus.
Program Overview
The English PhD program prepares students for careers as academic researchers, professors, and teachers through research-intensive coursework.
Doctoral students in English can choose between three concentrations: Creative Writing; Literature, Criticism, and Textual Studies; and Rhetoric, Writing, and Linguistics. In all concentrations, our exceptional faculty and abundant course offerings allow students to build expertise in their chosen areas of specialization and to write dissertations that make a significant impact on those fields
Whatever your interests, our program equips you to spark meaningful conversations and make inspired contributions to literary, creative, and rhetorical research and writing.
Concentrations
Whether you want to hone your creative craft, dive deep into the study of rhetoric and writing theory, or become a respected expert in a specialized literary movement, our concentrations allow you to do just that.
Our current selection of concentrations includes:
- Creative Writing
- Literature, Criticism and Textual Studies
- Rhetoric, Writing, and Linguistics
Why Study English?
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a doctorate in English means that you will participate in high-level scholarly research while also having access to crucial professional development opportunities.
You will also have opportunities to travel to conferences and symposia to present your work, whether research or creative, and to interact with acclaimed visiting speakers. Here at home, our outstanding library offers exceptional access to books and journals, including literary archival materials relevant to a wide range of historical periods.
We support your education through generous funding in the form of teaching, research, and editorial assistantships across the full range of English studies. When you graduate, you will be prepared to excel in your chosen field.
What Can You Do with a PhD in English After Graduation?
A degree in English from UT sets you up for success in a variety of careers. Our students learn to communicate effectively and creatively, allowing them to excel across fields.
They pursue a wide range of careers that require cultural understanding and an ability to write and think with originality. They become professors, screenwriters, novelists, poets, teachers, publicists, content creators, business people, consultants, and entrepreneurs.
Skills from an English degree are highly transferable. No matter which path you choose, the skills you learn will equip you to achieve your professional goals.
Featured Courses
ENGL 552 Readings in Black American Literature
The content of this course varies; however, there will be an emphasis on Black American literature genre, theme, literary movement, and other coherent emphasis.
ENGL 575 Issues in Second/Foreign Language Rhetoric and Composition
In this course, students will examine cross-linguistic and cross-cultural issues in the development of academic writing proficiency in a second/foreign language.
ENGL 630 Studies in Renaissance Literature
This course consists of seminars on Spenser, Milton, 17th-century prose and poetry, Shakespeare, 16th-century prose and poetry, and non-Shakespearean drama.
ENGL 594 Film History, Form, and Analysis
Students will explore issues in film studies: history of narrative film; concept of film form; critical approaches to film study (genre, auteur, formalist, and others); and critical analysis of individual films.
Complementary Minors and Certificates
Digital Humanities Graduate Certificate
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
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